LANSING, Mich. — Michigan is seeing a significant rise in tick-borne diseases, with state health officials urging residents to take precautions when spending time outdoors. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), cases of Lyme disease and anaplasmosis have increased sharply across the state over the past five years.
Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, remains the most common tick-borne illness in Michigan. The number of reported cases has jumped 168% from 452 in 2020 to 1,215 in 2024. Meanwhile, anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, has seen an even more dramatic rise—nearly fivefold—growing from 17 cases in 2020 to 82 cases in 2024, with the highest concentrations reported in northern Michigan.
Both diseases are transmitted by the blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), which thrives in wooded and brushy environments. Symptoms typically appear one to two weeks following a tick bite and can include fever, chills, rash, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are critical to prevent serious complications.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan, emphasized prevention as the best defense against these illnesses. “Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis,” she said in a recent statement.
The MDHHS recommends several practical steps for residents to protect themselves and their families:
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Avoid walking through grassy, brushy, or heavily wooded areas; instead, stay in the center of trails.
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Use EPA-registered insect repellents on exposed skin.
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Treat clothing, such as pants and socks, with permethrin or purchase pre-treated garments (note: permethrin should not be applied directly to skin).
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Perform daily tick checks on yourself, children, and pets, paying close attention to all body surfaces.
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Remove any attached ticks promptly with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping the tick close to the skin and pulling straight upward.
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Shower soon after coming indoors to wash off ticks and more easily detect them.
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Wash clothing in hot water and dry on high heat to kill ticks.
Pet owners are encouraged to consult veterinarians about tick prevention products, as dogs and cats can carry ticks indoors.
For those uncertain about identifying ticks, MDHHS offers a free service to identify ticks from submitted photos via email.
With tick populations expanding and cases of associated diseases rising, public health officials urge vigilance and prompt medical consultation if symptoms develop following a suspected tick bite.
